Police in South Devon seize illegal e-bikes and e-scooters
Officers crack down on illegal vehicle use amid public safety concerns
Police in South Devon have carried out a successful operation seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters following public concerns about their dangers.
On Tuesday night, 28th July, officers from the Newton Abbot neighbourhood team, in collaboration with the South Devon Neighbourhood Support Team, conducted Operation Leapstring across Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, and Kingskerswell.
Two illegal e-bikes and three e-scooters were removed from the streets.
On Wednesday, 29th July, a similar operation was executed in Torquay, where authorities seized one illegal e-bike and two e-scooters.
Targeting illegal vehicle use
Torquay Neighbourhood Inspector Rob Harvey highlighted the aim of the initiative.
"This initiative targets the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes and e-scooters on roads and in public places," Harvey said.
"Using a combination of plain clothes and uniformed officers, along with a range of policing tactics, we stopped and seized illegal e-bikes which were not pedal-assisted and therefore classed as motor vehicles.
"We also seized a number of illegal e-scooters.
"We often find that the vehicles we seize have been illegally modified to go faster.
"These vehicles do not comply with UK road traffic legislation for use on public roads or highways.
"Retailers often make this clear at the point of sale, but unfortunately this advice is sometimes ignored."
Safety and legal implications
Inspector Harvey further detailed the legal implications and safety concerns.
"Privately owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the permission of the landowner and certainly not on roads, pavements, and in parks," Harvey said.
"We find that illegal e-bikes and e-scooters are often linked to anti-social behaviour and other criminality.
"More importantly, they can pose a significant risk to the rider and to other members of the public.
"If you are considering buying one of these for yourself or a child, please take the time to check the guidance about where the vehicles can legally be used before buying one.
"We will continue to take action against those who flout the law and will seize vehicles being used illegally.
"Vehicles seized are sent for crushing so it could be an expensive mistake.”
Riders not only risk having their illegal bikes and scooters seized but also face fines and penalty points on their driving licences.
In contrast, electric scooters can be rented legally through official rental schemes in certain parts of the country.
These rental schemes, also referred to as 'e-scooter trials', have specific rules, including the requirement of a full or provisional UK driving licence to participate.